Tram boss confident over inquiry

Two public inquiries in Nottingham are the "last pieces of the jigsaw" for the city's new tram lines, council officials have said.

The hearings are into the effect of the lines on land in Clifton and Wilford.

The government is studying the results of the main public inquiry held last year and is expected to make its decision in the spring.

If the go-ahead is given, contractors would be invited to bid for work on the new line to Chilwell and Clifton.

The new inquiries will look at the replacement of recreational land which will be lost in the Silverdale area and the impact on bird populations by a new park-and-ride hub in Clifton, following issues raised by local campaigners.

The Silverdale inquiry will focus on claims made by Rushcliffe Borough Council that the land it is being offered in compensation is not of the same quality as that being lost.

Workplace parking levy

Chris Deas, project director for Nottingham Express Transit (NET), said they welcomed the chance to discuss these issues.

"It is probably best to look at these inquiries as likely to be the last piece of the jigsaw which started late last year with the main public inquiry for NET (Nottingham Express Transit) phase two."

He added: "We don't believe the tram will have a significant effect on these bird populations but it is only right that consideration is given to them as consideration was given to many ecological elements at the main public inquiry."

The city council has said the new tram line is vital to cope with an expanding city but opponents have said it is a waste of money and will not take enough cars off the road.

A proposed workplace parking levy is expected to help pay for much of the new tram line.